Best Time to See Hawks in Kentucky
December, January and April is the best time to see hawks in Kentucky. Based on 3,610 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when hawks are most active across the year in Kentucky.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Red-tailed Hawk · Public domain CC0
Red-shouldered Hawk · M. Whitson CC BY
Cooper's Hawk · danpatrick CC BY
3,610 verified observations of hawks in Kentucky, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When hawks are recorded in Kentucky
Peak month
December
384 records (10.6% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Januarypeak | 363 | 10.1% |
| February | 337 | 9.3% |
| March | 336 | 9.3% |
| Aprilpeak | 355 | 9.8% |
| May | 272 | 7.5% |
| June | 244 | 6.8% |
| July | 234 | 6.5% |
| August | 255 | 7.1% |
| September | 230 | 6.4% |
| October | 249 | 6.9% |
| November | 351 | 9.7% |
| Decemberpeak | 384 | 10.6% |
Hawks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Red-tailed Hawk | 1,038 |
| Red-shouldered Hawk | 881 |
| Bald Eagle | 645 |
| Cooper's Hawk | 556 |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 162 |
| Northern Harrier | 92 |
| Mississippi Kite | 86 |
| Sharp-shinned Hawk | 45 |
Weather to expect, source Open-Meteo
Typical weather in Kentucky
Recent typical conditions by month, so you can plan a trip around both when hawks are active and what the weather is doing. The best months to look for hawks sit around 29 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit, so pack for that.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janbest time | 45°F | 29°F | 4.6" |
| Feb | 49°F | 31°F | 5.6" |
| Mar | 59°F | 38°F | 4.5" |
| Aprbest time | 66°F | 45°F | 5.1" |
| May | 76°F | 56°F | 3.9" |
| Jun | 84°F | 64°F | 5.5" |
| Jul | 88°F | 69°F | 5.3" |
| Aug | 86°F | 67°F | 3.8" |
| Sep | 82°F | 61°F | 2.5" |
| Oct | 70°F | 51°F | 4" |
| Nov | 56°F | 37°F | 2.7" |
| Decbest time | 50°F | 34°F | 3.8" |
Typical recent conditions (5-year means) from the Open-Meteo archive, averaged for Kentucky. Weather varies year to year, so treat these as a guide.
More on hawks in Kentucky:
Sightings of hawks in Kentucky peak in December, when 384 of the year's 3,610 verified observations are logged — about 10.6% of the annual total. Activity stays high through December, January and April.
The quietest stretch is September, July and June, when hawks are hardest to find — September sees just 230 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The hawks you are most likely to encounter in Kentucky are Red-tailed Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk and Bald Eagle — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see hawks in Kentucky
- Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area — National River & Recreation Area
- Cumberland Gap National Historical Park — National Historical Park
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail — National Historic Trail
- Mammoth Cave National Park — National Park
- Camp Nelson National Monument — National Monument
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see hawks in Kentucky?+
December is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through December, January and April, based on 3,610 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are hawks hardest to see in Kentucky?+
September is the quietest month for hawks in Kentucky, with only 230 verified records.
Are hawks active year-round in Kentucky?+
Hawks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Kentucky, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in December.
More places to see hawks
More wildlife in Kentucky